KELOWNA – A statue donated to Big White Ski Resort by the Westbank First Nation has been unveiled today, Dec. 5.

The statue was created by artist Smoker Marchand and is based on the First Nation’s logo, according to a media release.

It features a grizzly bear, coyote and Ogopogo. The base of the statue is a medicine wheel which represents the circle of life.

“WFN shares a great relationship with Big White. We appreciate the opportunities and benefits the resort offers our communities, and are happy to provide the art sculpture for everyone to enjoy,” Chief Robert Louie says in the release.

The 10 foot tall statue has been placed next to the new Black Forest Day Lodge at the resort.

“We recognize Big White is built upon the traditional territory of the Okanagan Sylix people” Big White president Peter Plimmer says. “This statue will stand as a symbol of that."

To contact the reporter for this story, email Howard Alexander at halexander@infonews.ca. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

OPINION Editor, This is a busy time of year, but I find it’s also a time of reflection, particularly as January marks the end of my two-year term as Chair and my 10 years serving on the Board of Interior